Controller for use in connection with the ignition of gas-burners.



R 6 E m m U 0 B 2 S A W G F N 0 m. N M m m m A G D... .T. HE H NE mm mmN0 H m vw G A P 7 R 2, m M L 8 0 m m N N 0 APPLICATION FILED 001. 30.1905.

n1: NORRIS PETERS cm, WASHINGTON, n. c.

UITIIILD STATES PATENT OFFICE.

VICTOR CHARLES JOHN NIGHTINGALL, OF MELBOURNE, VICTORIA,

AUSTRALIA.

CONTROLLER FOR USE IN CONNECTION WITH THE IGNITION OF GAS-BURNERS.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Nov. 20, 1906.

Application filed October 30, 1905. Serial No. 285,032.

To all whom/ it may concern.-

Be it known that I, Vroron CHARLES J OHN N IGHTINGALL, a subject of theKing of Great Britain and Ireland, residing at 265 Post Office Place, inthe city of Melbourne, county of Bourke, State of Victoria, andCommonwealth of Australia, have invented certain new and usefulImprovements in Controllers for Use in Connection with the Ignition ofGas-Burners, of which the following is a specification.

The object of my invention is to provide means to cheaply andeffectively control the ignition and extinction of a gas burner orburners of any description that are ignited by means of a pilot-flame,platinum, or like means.

My invention, which accomplishes its end by the means hereinafterdescribed, is particularly adapted for igniting or extinguishing burnerssurrounded by incandescent mantles or hoods and may be operated from anypoint over any distance and so situated as to control any number ofvburners, either individually or simultaneously.

My invention can be fitted to existing gaslight fittings at but slightadditional expense and is operated from any source of electric energy,which may consist of a battery in use for other purposes. If necessary,however, a special battery may be employed.

My invention is applicable, moreover, not only for controlling theillumination of household or other buildings, but also for street ortrain lighting and other purposes.

In the past various devices have been em ployed to automatically ignitegas-burners either individually or simultaneously, but they have beeninefficient in operation and in addition have been costly ofinstallation and maintenance. With my invention these difficulties areovercome, and no skill is required to operate it; but in order that myinvention may be better understood I will now refer to the accompanyingsheet of drawings, which are to be taken as'part of this specificationand read herewith.

Figure 1 represents in section my inven tion complete as applied to anordinary incandescent gasburner. The valve is resting upon its seatingand the supply of gas thereby cut off. In this figure my platinumattachment is in place and can be clearly seen. Fig. 2 is a sideelevation of the various parts of a controller. For the convenience ofillustration the insulated wire and outer casing are removed. Apilot-tube with branches leading to three burners is specially illus- Itrated. Fig. 3 is a side elevation, partly in section, of a modificationin which thepermanent magnet is dispensed with. The armature and valveare in the position they occupy when the supply of gas is free. to flowto the burner. Fig. 4 is a view, partly in section, on a reduced scaleillustrating my invention as applied to streetlighting and showing theelectric conductors or Wires passing through a gas-service main and alsothe connections to a lamp.

Similar letters of reference indicate similar or corresponding partswhere they occur in the several views.

My invention includes a cylindrical casing or tube, which is made of anysuitable magnetic metal, but preferably of soft iron. Its length anddiameter depend upon circumstances and the conditions surrounding itsuse. It is hereinafter referred to as the controller-magnet A. Thiscontroller-magnet A is open at its top A and has an extension B, whichat its bottom is closed. Through the bottom of the said extension B, Iform a perforation or hole B to accommodate and act'as a guide for avalve-spindle C, hereinafter mentioned. Between the saidcontroller-magnet A and the extension B thereof is a flange B In thesaid extension B is a radial elongated holeor gas-inlet passage D. Thiscommunicates with the main gas passage-way D existing within theinterior of the controller-magnet A. The top A of thecontroller-magnet'has portion of its interior removed and is providedwith a thread, into which is screwed a valve-chamber E, hereinaftermentioned, or the said valve-chamber may be introduced into the top ofthe controller-magnet in any other suitable way, or it may be integraltherewith. The valvechamber E referred to consists of a metallic tube,and if it is a separate one preferably has a male thread around itsexterior, which. thread engages with a female thread within the'interiorof the controller-magnet. Within the valve-chamber is a valveseating Eand. a gas-inlet D Through the hole B" in the bottomextension B of thecontrollermagnet and passing upwardly through the same and extendingpast the valve-seating E in the valve-chamber is a vertical spindle,which is hereinafter called the valve-spindle C. At its lower end thesaid valve spindle is secured to a disk or other shaped piece of softiron. This is hereinafter called the armature O. 'The controller-magnet,

the armature, and the valve-spindle may, if necessary, be nickeled orotherwise suitably prepared. At the top end of the spindle is attachedthe valve C This valve is coneshaped and has a flange around itsperiphery which when it rests upon the seating E within thevalve-chamber effectually prevents the gas passing upward to the burner.The said spindle C is of such a length that when the valve C is restingupon its seating the air-gap A existing between the controllermagnetand. the armature is less than the airspace F existing between thearmature C and the permanent magnet F at the bottom of the gas-chamberG, both hereinafter mentioned.

The Bunsen or other burner may be connected to the valve-chamber E inany wellknown way but in some casessuch as for street lighting, &c.thecontroller is not situated in close proximity to the burner, but may beplaced where most convenient to operate a number of burnerssimultaneously. At the top of the controller-magnet A is a ring orcollar A of suitablenon-conducting material. This ring or collar A maybe formed integral with the controller-magnet; but if it is separate itis preferably threaded upon the valve-chamber E and rests upon the top Aof the said controller-magnet. Around the controller-magnet and betweenthe ring or collar A and the flange B is wound a length or coil ofinsulated wire H of any suitable gage. The two ends of this insulatedwire H are led away or connected to wires leading to the point ofcontrol, which is connected to any suitable source of electric energy orbattery. The extension B of the lower end of the controller-magnet hasaround its exterior a male thread. This engages with a female threadwithin a gaschamber G. This gas-chamber is of suitable metallicconstruction and is preferably in.

the form of a cup and of sufficient depth to accommodate the armature Cand allow it to move freely up and down therein. The gaschamber G has anintegral threaded extension or connecting-piece G, or the said connecting-piece may be separate and attached to the gas-chamber in anyother suitable way. It may be at the bottom of the gaschamber, as shown,or at the side of the same. The said connecting-piece G" has a gas-inletG which communicates at one end with the inlet-hole G in the gas-chamberand at its other with the supply-pipe. Protruding from the gas-chamberis a small tubular extension J (See Fig. 3.) This has a longitudinalhole J therein. This hole J communicates with the gas-chamber G and witha hole J in the top of the said extension and into which is inserted andsecured therein in any well-known way the pilot-tube J An electro orpermanent magnet, which is hereinafter called the permanent magnet F, ispreferably looselymounted upon the connecting-piece G. This permanentmagnet F may be of any suitable shape or size and may be either verticalor horizontal, or both but one end of it must be directly under thegas-chamber G. Preferably the magnet is made as shown in the drawings.The magnet may be retained in position in any wellknown way; butpreferably I provide a union K, which not only serves to retain the saidpermanent magnet F in position, but also to connect my invention and theburner to the gas-supply pipe or fitting.

To protect the controller and insulatingwire, I may provide an outercasing L of any suitable material. This fits loosely around the flange Band collar A on the controllermagnet A and is removable. The pilot-tubeJ is preferably made as shown in Fig. 3 of the drawings; but it may beplaced in any other convenient position.

When my platinum igniter, as seen in Fig. 1 and hereinafter described,is employed, I protect the chimney from damage by attaching a shield Jto the burner-fittings In some cases a pilot-flame may be usedto ignitethe burner but, if necessary, I may employ a platinum igniter of specialconstruction.

When the platinum igniter is used, the supply of gas through thepilot-tube is blocked by means of a plug or regulating-screw, as at J inFig. 1. Should the platinum igniter become deranged, the plug mayberegulated to 1permit the gas reaching the tube J which wi 1 then be usedas an ordinary pilot-light.

This platinum igniter, as seen in Fig. 1, consists of a small piece ofplatinumw ire M, arranged, preferably, as shown. Insulated wire M isspirally wound around the pilottube J and connected to the platinumwire, or the said insulated wire may be conveyed to the platinum in anyother suitable way. When the current of electricity is operated from thepoint of control hereinafter mentioned and the supply of gas is free topass to the burner, a small quantity of the said gas is caused to passover the said platinum wire M. This raises the temperature of theplatinum by combining with the oxygen condensed on the surface of theplatinum. Owing to its position in the gas, the platinum by itself isnot of sufficient temperature to ignite the gas, but portion of theelectric current mentioned passes through the insuvide a creeping pilot,as at M in Fig. 1. To prevent the platinum wire from burning out by anexcess of current, I attach a small piece of resistance-wire m in thecircuit of the platinum igniter.

When my invention is to be used in connection with street-lighting orsimilar extensive purposes, the wires conveying the electric current andleading from the point of control are entered into the service-mains andmade secure and air-tight therein in any suitable or well-known way. Thesaid wires are preferably insulated and are passed through the saidmains and may be loose therein. The wires in the mains mentioned areconnected to and are in circuit with the wires leading to the variouslamps to be ignited. The said wires leading to each lamp are enteredthrough the mains and made airtight therein.

, My invention is operated from a battery or other source of electricenergy and is controlled by a switch and current-reverser of suitableconstruction. This switch and currentreverser I refer to as the point ofcontrol. The said switch and current-reverser are so made that the fiowof the electric current is cut off automatically after it hasv effectedthe purpose for which it is intendedthat is, either to supply. or cutoff the gas. It will thus be seen that to operate it there is but aminimum fiow of electric energy, and consequently no waste of anydescription.

In a modification I may dispense with the use of the permanent magnet F,in which case the electric current when switched on is maintained in aconstant flow through the coil of insulated wire. This causes thecontroller magnet A to remain -magnetized while the current ismaintained, so that it not only at tracts the armature C to it, but alsoretains it in position, as seen in Fig. 3, where the valve is open andthe gas free to flow to the burner or burners. When the current isswitched off, the controller-magnet loses its attraction for thearmature C, which latter in consequence falls by its own weight, and asit descends by means hereinbefore described automatically closes thevalve.

In the modification the current-reverser is also dispensed with and anordinary switch employed in its place. a

The cycle of operations with my invention is as follows: When it isdesired to ignite a burner or burners, the switch is operated from thepoint of control in a certain direc-' tion. The electric current fromthe source of energy flows freely around and through thecontroller-magnet, which attracts the armature C upward to it. Therelative action of the permanent and controller magnets when thecurrent-reverser has been operated in the said direction is such thatthearmature C is retained against the controller-magnet A. The saidarmature C, when it is attracted upward, carries the valve-spindle Cwith it.- This in turn lifts the valve C from its seating E, and the gaspasses freely from the passageway D into the valve-chamber E and fromthere to the burner or burners, which are then ignited either by meansof a pilot-fiame or my platinum attachment, or other means.

When it is desired to shut off the supply of gas, the current is, fromthe point of control, reversed, and as it flows through the insulatedwire and around the controller-magnet in a reverse direction causes thearmature C to be attracted toward the permanent magnet F. As thearmature descends it carries the spindle C with it, and the valve Cthereon fits into its seating E in the valve-charm berE, and the supplyof gas is thereby shut off.

In the modification the cycle of operations is similar, except that, asmentioned, the permanent magnet F and the current-reverser are bothdispensed with, and when a flow, of gas is desired a continuous currentis maintained through the controller-magnet A and causes the latter toattract the armature C and retain it in such position. When the supplyof gas is to be cut off, the switch is operated and the current shutoff. This causes armature C to be repelled from the controller-magnet Awhen it once falls, and by tlflfe means described the supply of gas iscut 0 Having now fully described and ascertained my said invention andthe manner in which it is to be performed, I declare that what I claimis- 1. In improvements in and relating to controllers for use inconnection with the ignition of gas-burners, a controller-magnetconsisting of a metallic tube having within it a gas passage-way andhaving around its circumference a length or coil of insulated wire, anextension at the bottom of said tube, formed with an inlet gaspassage-way in said extension, and a hole at the bottom of saidextension, a valve-chamber situated at the top of saidcontroller-magnet, said valve-chamber being connected to the burner orto a pipe leading to a burner or burners, a valve seating in saidchamber, an armature consisting of a metal disk, a valve-spindleconnected at its lower end to said armature, a valve connected to theupper end of said valve-spindle, said valve being situated in saidvalve-chamher, said valve-spindle being capable of a vertical movementwithin the interior of the permanent magnet, valve-chamber, andgaschamber, a gas-chamber at the bottomof the said controller-magnet andinclosing said armature, a flange on the extension of thecontroller-magnet and a ring or collar near the top of the same, saidflange, ring or collar in closing the aforesaid length or coil ofinsulated wire, an outer casing or protector, a pilot-tube communicatingwith a hole in an extension of the gas-chamber, said extension ICO &

having a gas passage-way, a connectingplece protrudlng from thegas-chamber for attaching the burner to the fittings, all as and for thepurposes hereinbeiore described and I as illustrated in the drawings.

2. In improvements in and relating to controllers for use in connectionwith the ignition of gas-burners, a controller-magnet con sisting of ametal tube having within it a gas passage-way and having around itscircumference a length or coil or insulated wire, an extension at thebottom of said tube, an inlet gas passage-way in said extension, formedwith a hole in the bottom of said extension, a valve-chamber situated atthe top of said controller-magnet, said valve-chamber being connected tothe burner or to the pipe leading to a burner or burners, a valveseating in said chamber, an armature consisting of a metal disk, avalve-spindle connected at its lower end to said armature, avalveconnected to theupper end of said valve-spindle, said valve beingsituated in said valve-chamber, said valve-spindle being capable of avertical movement within the interior of the permanent magnet,valve-chamber and gas-chamber, a gas-chamber at the bottom of the saidcontroller-magnet and inclosing said armature, a flange on the extensionof the controller-magnet and a ring or collar near the top of the same,said flange, ring or collar inclosing the aforesaid length or coil ofinsulated wire, an outer casing or protector, a pilottube communicatingwith a hole in an extension of the gas-chamber, said extension having agas passage-way, a connectingpiece protruding from the gas-chamber forattaching the burner to the fittings, in combination with a permanentmagnet placed underneath the gas-chamber and means for permitting anelectric current to pass in a certain direction from the point ofcontrol or source of energy through the aforesaid coil of insulatedwire, the aforesaid armature being attracted to and retained against thecontroller-magnet and so arranged that when the current is reversed thesaid controllermagnet will lose its attraction for the armature whichwill fall by its own weight, all as and for the purposes hereinbeforedescribed and as illustrated in the drawings.

3. In improvements in and relating to controllers for use in connectionwith the ignition of gas-burners, a controller-magnet consisting of ametal tube having within it a gas passage-way and having around itscircumference a length or coil of insulated wire, an extension at thebottom of said tube, formed with a hole in the bottom thereof and aninlet gas passageway in said extension, a valvechamber situated at thetop of said controller-magnet, said valve-chamber being con nected tothe burner or to the pipe leading to a burner or burners, a valveseating in said chamber, an armature consisting of a metal disk, avalve-spindle connected at its lower end to said armature, a valveconnected to the upper end of said valve-spindle, said valve beingsituated in said valve-chamber, said valve-spindle being capable of avertical movement within the interior of the permanent magnet,valve-chamber andgas-chamber, a gas-chamber at the bottom of the saidcontroller-magnet and inclosing said arma-- ture, a flange on theextension of the controller-magnet and a ring or collar near the top ofthe same, said flange, ring or collar inclosing the aforesaid length orcoil of insulated wire, an outer casing or protector, a pilottubecommunicating with a hole in an extension of the gas-chamber, saidextension having a gas passage-way, a connecting-piece protruding fromthe gas-chamber for attaching the burner to the fittings, in combinationwith a switch for permitting a continuous flow of electric current inone direction from a suitable source through the aforesaid coil ofinsulated wire to magnetize the controller-magnet and cause it toattract and retain the armature-to it until the said switch is operatedin the reverse direction which causes the current to be cut oil, all asand for the purposes hereinbefore described and as illustrated in thedrawings.

4. In improvements in and relating to controllers for use in connectionwith the ignition of gas-burners, a platinum igniter con sisting of aplatinum wire mounted upon or near the top of a metallic tube andconnected to an insulated wire supported by a metallic tube, said.platinum wire being in close proximity to a creeping-pilot on theburner, said insulated wire having a resistance-wire within its circuit,said insulated wire also being connected to a coil of insulated wirederiving its energy from any suitable source, and a pilot-tube incommunication with an extension of a gas-chamber, said extension havin aplug or regulating-screw therein.

5. In improvements in and relating to controllers for use in connectionwith theig nition of gas-burners, a controller-magnet consisting of ametallic tube having within it a gas passage-way and having arounditscircumf'erence a length or co'il of insulated wire, an extension atthe bottom of said tube, an

inlet gas passage-way in said. extension, a,

hole in the bottom of said extension, a valvechamber situated at the topof said controllermagnet, said valve-chamber being connected to theburner or to the pipe leading to a burner or burners, a valve seating insaid chamber, an armature consisting of a metal disk, a valve-spindleconnected at its lower end to said armature, a valve connected to theupper end of said valve-spindle, said valve being situated in saidvalve-chamber, said valve-spindle being capable of a'vertical movementwithin the interior of the permanent magnet, valve-chamber, andgas-chamber, a gas-chamber at the bottom of the said controller-magnetand inclosing said armature, a flange on the extenslon of thecontroller-magnet and a ring or collar near the top of the same, saidflange, ring or collar inclosing the aforesaid length or coil ofinsulated Wire, an outer casing or protector, a pilottube communicatingwith a hole in an extension of the gas-chamber, said extension having agas passage-Way, and a connectingto piece protruding from thegas-chamber for attaching. the burner to the fittings.

In testimony whereof I a'HiX my signature in the presence of twosubscribing Witnesses.

VICTOR CHARLES JOHN NIGHTINGALL. Witnesses:

CECIL M. SLASTRIER, GEORGE A. UREN.

